Wavelength, Frequency and Wave Speed


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Wavelength, Frequency and Wave Speed

Terms to describe sound waves: Sound waves can be described by its

1.    Wavelength        2. Frequency    3. Time period        4. Amplitude        5. Speed

Amplitude: The maximum displacement of the particles of the medium from their original mean positions on passing a wave through the medium is called amplitude of the wave. It is used to describe the size of the wave. It is usually denoted by the letter A. Its SI unit is metre. The amplitude of a wave is same as the amplitude of the vibrating body producing the wave.

Wavelength: The distance between the two consecutive compressions (C) or two consecutive rarefactions (R) is called the wavelength. Wavelength is the minimum distance in which a sound wave repeats itself. In other words, it is the combined length of a compression and an adjacent rarefaction. It is represented by a Greek letter lambda ‘λ’. Its SI unit is metre (m).

                        

Frequency: The number of complete waves (or oscillations) produced in one second is called frequency of the wave. It is the number of vibrations that occur per second. If we can count the number of the compressions or rarefactions that cross us per unit time, we will get the frequency of sound wave. The frequency of a wave is fixed and does not change even when it passes through different substances. It is denoted by ‘ν’ (Greek letter, nu). Its SI unit is hertz (symbol, Hz) named in honour of Heinrich Rudolf Hertz who discovered photoelectric effect.

Time Period: The time taken by two consecutive compressions or rarefactions to cross a fixed point is called the time period of the wave. In other words, the time required to produce one complete wave (or oscillations) is called time period of the Wave. It is denoted by symbol T. Its SI unit is second (s). The time period of a wave is the reciprocal of its frequency,

large Time ; Period = frac{1}{Frequency}

Speed: The distance travelled by a wave in one second is called speed of the wave or velocity of the wave. Under the same physical conditions, the speed of sound remains same for all frequencies. It is represented by letter v. Its SI unit is metre per second (rn/s). Relationship between speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave:

large Speed = frac{Distance ;travelled}{Time ;taken}

 

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

A wave completes 48 cycle in 1.6 s, its frequency is ______________

Right Option : C
View Explanation
Explanation
Question : 2

The pitch of sound is determined by the _______ of vibration.

Right Option : A
View Explanation
Explanation
Question : 3

A thunder clap is heard 5.5 second after the lighting the flash.The distance of the flash is (velocity of sound in air = 330 m/s

Right Option : B
View Explanation
Explanation
Chapters
Pre-Historic Period
Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Civilization
Religious Reform Movement
The Early Kingdoms
The Mauryan Empire
Post Mauryan Period
The Age Of The Guptas
Post Gupta Era
Age of Rajput
Khilji Dynasty
Slave Dynasty
Tughlaq and Sayyid Dynasty
Vijaynagar Empire And Bahamani Kingdom
Mughal Empire And Beyond
Lodhi Dynasty
Cholas, Chalukyas and Pallavas
Arab Invasions
Bhakti and Sufi Movement
Rise of Sikhs, Jats and Marathas
Administrative Structure of Delhi Sultanate
Architecture During Medivial India
Advent Of The Europeans
Post Mughal Period
Rise of New States in 18th Century
Growth of British Paramountacy
Socio Religious Reforms
Constitutional Development of India
Indian Struggle Against British Rule
The Revolt Of 1857
Education Under British Rule
Role of Press in Freedom Struggle
First Phase of National Movement
Second Phase of National Movement
Third Phase of National Movement
Constitutional Development in India
Constituent Assembly
Union And Its Territory
Structure of Indian Constitution
Fundamental Rights and Duties
The Union Executive
The Union Legislature
Constitutional Amendments and Provisions
Judiciary In India
Emergency Provisions
Center - State Relations
The State Executive
The State Legislature
Election Commission Of India
Constitutional Organisation
Non-Constitutional Organisation
Local Self Goverment
India - Size And Location
Geological History Of India
The Physical Features Of India
Climate Of India
Soils In India
Natural Vegetation
Windlife Conservation In India
Drainage System of India
Irrigation System Of India
Agriculture In India
Livestock And Fisheries In India
Minerals And Energy Resources In India
Means Of Transport In India
Major Industries In India
Tribes of India
Census of India 2011
Music
Dance
Theatre
Pantings
Art, Architecture & Culture of India
Bio-Diversity
Earth And Its Structure
Land Rock And Soil
Atmosphere, Climate And Weather
Oceanography
Human And Regional Geography
Economic Growth And Development
Sectors Of Indian Economy
Economic Planning Of India
Fiscal And Monetary Policy In India
Infrastructure In India
Effects Of British Rule On Indian Economy
National Income
Banking System In India
Poverty And Unemployment
Inflation And Trade Cycles
Major Institutions
Environmental Studies
Tissues In Organism
Cytology
Classifucation Of Plants
Structural Composition Of Plants
Nutrition In Plants, Harmones And Plant Disease
Ecosystem
Classification In Animals
Nutrition In Animals
Human Digestive System
Human Respiratory System
Human Skeleton System
Human Excretory System
Human Nervous System
Human Circulatory System
Human Endocrine System
Human Reproductive System
Genetics
Human Diseases
States Of Matter
Metals And Non Metals
Acid Bases And Salts
Element Compounds And Mixture
Physical And Chemical Change
Carbon And Its Compounds
Periodic Classification
Fuel, Combustion And Flame
Environmental Chemistry
Rest And Motion
Work Power And Energy
Gravitation
Pressure And Its Effects
Simple Harmonic Motion
Sound and Waves
Heat And Temperature
Light - Reflection
Electricity And Magnetism
Modern Physics
Science And Technology
Force And The Laws Of Motion
Light - Refraction
Dispersion And Human Eye
Magnetic Effect Of Electric Current
Atom And Molecule
Chemistry In Everyday Life
Units And Dimensions
Content / Category
Class / Course
 
 


Students / Parents Reviews [20]